Whats Ideal For My Woodshop, a Mini-Split or Garage Heater?
2Comfy isn’t usually a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or tinkering like woodworking. Mulling using your garage for a home woodshop? By adding heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to use the garage year-round.
Traditional systems, like a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically cost-prohibitive because of the ductwork that’s needed. Also, garages are sometimes detached.
The two most frequently installed solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t have to have ductwork. But which system should you go with? It’s critical to be informed about each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your situation. Sawdust demands additional planning as these particles can bog down filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you select the best system for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are similar to a heat pump, because they move heat instead of creating it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and connect to an outdoor unit via a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is prized for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen searching for a tranquil, comfortable space to work. Because they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used all year round.
Because wood shrinks with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is highly useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers recommend doing work in temperatures similar to where the final creation will be used.
Inspecting your filter frequently is a critical component of service. Sanding kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and longevity.
A mini-split also needs regular upkeep from a professional HVAC technician, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help reduce the likelihood of repairs and may even help it last for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Best for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters run slightly differently. They generate heated air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a little furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you rely on your garage for additional storage, know that these heaters will take up some of the overhead area.
The main difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they need, since mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common types, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to worry about fuel hookups.
Garage heaters have a plus that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from getting into those internal pieces.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are lots of things to keep in mind, including the climate in Gainesville. These encompass:
- Whether you want both heating and cooling, or just heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall space you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to dedicate to upkeep.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t need your shop often, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in locations with large adjustments in temperature may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models use differing fuel sources to create heat only, making them ill-suited for hotter climates. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may result in bigger utility expenses. But the superior heat generation is desired in northern areas.
For professional advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a productive area for a long time. Contact us at 352-414-4006 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.
